HYBE submits Music Industry Report amid ongoing workplace bullying investigation involving NewJeans

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Korean media outlet Naver reported that HYBE submitted their Music Industry Report as reference material for the ongoing investigation into NewJeans’ bullying case.

The report, which was originally produced for internal use by HYBE officials, has been cited in a case presented before the Seoul Western District Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. On October 28, it was reported that Mr. A, a person unrelated to HYBE, NewJeans, or Min Hee Jin (ADOR's previous CEO), presented portions of this internal document.

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Music Industry Report of HYBE reportedly featured names of groups like NewJeans, NCT, TXT, and SEVENTEEN

The Music Industry Report, which was reportedly leaked online recently, included comments about several idol groups, including some that detailed attacks on their physical appearances.

The name and content related to many popular K-pop groups and idols, including those found in the report NCT, SEVENTEEN, TXT, and more, were found in the recently leaked pages of the Music Industry Report. It was also reported that NewJeans appeared in part of the material.

Mr. A pointed out HYBE's 2023 Sustainability Report in the supplemental lawsuit, which says,

“HYBE complies with labor laws and regulations, including the Labor Standards Act, to respect the rights of all members, and operates channels to report human rights violations and ensure swift resolution and prevention of recurrence.”

The report stated that the label outlines procedures for investigating complaints of human rights infringement and taking necessary action, including harassment at work.

Mr. A contended that the 'Music Industry Report' disclosed on October 24 defies the "respectful behavior code" established by ADOR CEO Kim Joo Young. Mr. A asked that the Ministry of Employment and Labour should look into the background information and particulars of the way this inside report was created.

In addition, Mr. A claimed,

“The 'NewJeans workplace harassment case' goes beyond a specific group's issue, symbolizing the problems faced by workers not fully protected under labor laws. Therefore, I strongly urge the Ministry of Employment and Labor to thoroughly investigate this matter and take special measures to address the shortcomings in current regulations.”

The Ministry of Employment and Labor's Seoul Western District Office will employ the filed information to conduct an inquiry into the alleged bullying at work by the management.

Previously, on September 12, A submitted a legal complaint using the National Petition System, requesting that the truth about allegations of harassment at HYBE be revealed.

The accusation arose following a YouTube webcast by NewJeans singers on September 11, during which they claimed that a management member told another group to "ignore" them in the HYBE building's hallway.

Hanni, a part of NewJeans, testified during the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee session on October 15, 2024, detailing how HYBE tried to allegedly minimize and suppress the matter.

CEO Kim Joo-young affirmed their commitment to attentively consider the opinions of Hanni and other artists, ensuring protection of their rights for the complete realization of their dreams and objectives. Additionally, CEO Kim requested additional time to enhance HYBE's operations.

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